How to Choose the Best Action Camera Microphone Attachment in 2023

Generally, action cameras have built-in mics for audio recording, which are usually adequate. However, some fail to meet the desired level of quality, so mic attachments may be required. If you want to take your filmmaking to the next level, looking into getting the best microphones for your action camera is a great way to go. You’ll be able to produce immersive content that will really wow viewers.

Action cameras are becoming popular for creating content, as they can capture a unique first-person perspective.

External microphones can dramatically improve the quality of audio recordings – reducing unwanted noise such as handling and footstep sounds.

Action cameras can be great, but they tend to struggle when being used in places with lots of background noise. Getting an external microphone is the best course of action if you want to hear clear, high-quality audio.

If you’re looking to make an investment in a professional-grade attachment microphone, then you’ve come to the right place! Read on to find out which one is the best fit for your individual needs and preferences.

What Are the Best Microphone Attachments for Action Cameras?

We recommend you choose one of these five outstanding products. You will find all the detailed characteristics and capabilities of each product at the following links:

  1. DJI Mic with 250m Transmission Range and Dual-Channel Recording

DJI Mic with 250m Transmission Range and Dual-Channel Recording

2. RODE Wireless Action Camera Microphone

RODE Wireless Action Camera Microphone

3. BOYA BY WM3T2 Wireless Lavalier Microphone for Action Camera

BOYA BY WM3T2 Wireless Lavalier Microphone for Action Camera, iPad, iPhone, and Android

4. Comica VM10 Action Camera Microphone Attachment

Comica VM10 Action Camera Microphone Attachment

5. MAMEN Stereo Microphone with Video Lights Kit for Action Camera

MAMEN Stereo Microphone with Video Lights Kit for Action Camera

However, do not limit yourself to just reading the full information about these products – we strongly recommend that you visit the category of action camera microphone attachments and get an up close with the products available. Explore their features, and check out customer reviews.

If you can’t make a sure choice yourself, continue reading this article with tips.

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Before Purchasing a Microphone Attachment, Take into Account These Features

How to Choose the Best Action Camera Microphone Attachment

Make sure you check off important points on your checklist to ensure you make an intelligent choice!

Compatibility With the Camera

Different microphones are optimized for different camera types, like DSLRs, mirrorless rigs, and GoPros, to ensure maximum performance.

It’s essential to make sure that you get the most out of your money by investing in a compatible attachment for your camera. If it’s too difficult to find something that fits perfectly, then you could always opt for a universal model instead! This design is truly amazing, as it can fit practically any camera!

Availability of an Adapter

Investing in an external microphone, along with an adapter, is a must for anyone looking to get the best sound quality possible when using a camera without a 3.5mm jack. Adapters are incredibly useful and convenient, making it easy to plug in any microphone with ease.

The microphone adapters listed below are highly recommended:

  • The Movo GMA100 Adapter (suitable for GoPro Hero3, Hero3+, and Hero4).
  • The 3.5 mm GoPro Adapter (recommended for use with Hero5, Hero6, Hero7, and Hero8).
  • Pocket Osmo Adapter (connect to DJI Osmo).
  • USB to 3.5 mm Jack.

The Polar Pattern of the Mic

This is the direction in which the microphone attachment is designed to best pick up audio signals.

Some gears feature a single setting, while others enable you to select from two or more settings.

There are three main polar patterns to consider when selecting microphones: unidirectional, bidirectional, and omnidirectional.

  • Unidirectional (Cardioid)

Unidirectional attachments are the most popular polar pattern, focusing only on the sound directly in front of them while ignoring other sounds.

If you are planning on conducting solo interviews and do not anticipate bringing in another guest, cardioid microphone attachments will be a suitable choice.

These writing assistants also come in handy for personal vloggers. If an attachment has “super-cardioid,” it translates to the microphone being highly focused on the front side of the camera.

Unidirectional mics are best suited for recording one person and should be placed directly in front of them.

  • Shotgun mics are unidirectional, resisting sound from 30 degrees on either side but able to capture low-level sounds in front. Shotgun mics are ideal for blocking out background noise and focusing sound in one direction; the Sennheiser MKE 200 is an example of this.
  • Bidirectional

Bidirectional microphones offer a comparable performance to shotgun mics. The major difference between them is that bi-directional mics capture sound from both the front and back. They are thought to have a fat number eight pattern.

  • Omnidirectional

Omnidirectional attachments are beneficial for capturing sound from all directions, making them ideal for round table meetings.

This polar pattern is common in lapel microphones because they are not always positioned in front of a person.

Lapel mics are omnidirectional, making them suitable for recording group interviews and debate sessions; the Wireless GO II is a good choice.

Type of Shock Mount

Action cameras tend to have poor audio quality due to background noise. To improve this, it is advised to purchase shock-mount attachments which will reduce interference.

It is recommended to acquire a microphone that has noise-canceling capabilities for a better audio experience while vlogging outdoors. This can reduce the disruptive sound of footsteps and other background noise.

The Type of Windscreen

Microphone attachments are now fitted with special windscreens like foam or dead cat which have their own sets of pros & cons. Nonetheless, they definitely outperform not having any windscreen at all!

  • Deadcat mics are an absolute must-have when recording outdoors! Their furry exterior looks not only great but also effectively blocks wind noise and higher frequency sounds. So no more worrying about environmental noises ruining your recordings – Deadcat mics have your back!

  • Foam screens are great for decreasing noise levels as they’re more economical. The downside is that they won’t give as much wind protection as dead cats, but if you need a mic that won’t break the bank, this is still a great option!

Type of Shoe Mount

Shoe mounting is an incredibly useful feature that can be found on many microphone attachments, providing a secure slot that locks with the camera and enables seamless communication. There are two varieties of shoe mounting: the hot mount and the cold mount. Depending on your needs, one or both of these options may be ideal for your setup, ensuring you get the most reliable performance each and every time.

  • A hot shoe mount is a very useful device that provides an ideal way to guarantee secure and reliable electrical contact between your camera and other hardware devices. This direct connection allows for the transfer of data quickly and ensures that everything works as expected.
  • You don’t get the chance to experience that unique and direct connection with a cold mount like you would with other systems as it lacks the necessary electrical connection between your camera and any mic accessories. Despite this, these setups can still offer a multitude of benefits, allowing for improved sound quality, portability, and ease of use.

Audio sensitivity

The microphone’s audio sensitivity is an important metric to consider, as it indicates how well the microphone will be able to pick up sounds. Generally speaking, reliable metrics range somewhere between -42 to -30 dBV/Pa or 8 and 32 mV/Pa, and it may be beneficial to go with an option that detects audio at a vast distance range for optimal sound results.

Form of Transducer

It’s important to choose the right microphone transducer for optimal audio quality! Let’s look at why.

Microphones are devices that can transform sound waves into electrical signals. Therefore, the better the internal mechanism is in a microphone, the higher quality of audio it produces! Investing in a high-quality mic with strong internal parts is key to getting clear recordings.

Being aware of the different types of microphone transducers is vital for any recording. We have Dynamic, Ribbon, and Condenser mics which all give a unique sound to your audio.

  • Dynamic Mics: Dynamic mics are great for podcasting and recording outside. They don’t provide crystal clear sound, but still, capture enough detail to serve your needs.
  • Ribbon Mics: Ribbon microphones are extremely pricey and delicate, making them ill-suited for use in conjunction with an action camera. They would likely experience significant wear and tear due to the environment associated with action cameras, so they would not make very good companions.
  • Condenser Mics: If you’re looking for the highest quality voice-over recordings – these are your go-to option! The audio they create is absolutely superb, so if you need audio that’s crystal clear, look no further.

Types of Microphone Attachments for Action Cameras

Here are the several types of action camera mics available on the market:

  • Lapel microphones

Clip-on/Lapel mics are small, convenient, and lightweight. They’re the go-to choice for broadcasting houses, filmmakers, and travel vloggers. These accessories allow you to easily capture your audio no matter where you are!

  • Shotgun microphones

Shotgun microphones are aptly named for their resemblance to guns, with long slotted tubes on the front. This tube serves a specific purpose – it blocks out noise from any direction that isn’t within a 30-degree angle from the front – making them highly effective sound recording devices.

  • Handheld microphones

Handheld microphones are becoming more popular as an alternative to mounted mics attached to the camera. Placing it close to your camera while recording is another great option. Even fast-paced actions don’t necessarily need a handheld mic, though some do exist. Even lav mics and shotgun mics can be used handheld if you decide to go that route!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Improve My Camera’s Sound Quality?

Investing in an external microphone is a great way to take your videos to the next level. It can drastically improve sound quality and make sure all your viewers hear clearly what’s being said, adding so much more to the viewing experience.

What Is the Best Way to Use an External Microphone With an Action Camera?

If you’re looking to expand your camera’s mic capabilities, two great options are the Type C USB ports and the 3.5-millimeter jacks. These amazing tech choices make it so much easier to hook up an external microphone!

Is it possible to use USB microphones with action cameras?

Some cameras have USB ports, making it possible to directly connect your mic to the camera.

Is an External Microphone Required for the GoPro?

A GoPro mic attachment may not be essential but it can be quite useful and create a richer audio experience while shooting.

Should I buy a GoPro mic adapter?

GoPro Hero5, Hero7, Hero6, and Hero5 Session accept USB-C and some of these models also feature an HDMI output. But if you’re looking to use a 3.55mm jack with the USB-C port of your GoPro device, then you will need to purchase an adapter in order to make it possible to link the two ports together.

When a camera is linked to a gimbal, can a microphone pick up sounds from an arm movement or a motor?

The microphone sensitivity will play a major role in your decision. Some mics are known to pick up any noise even from handling, so it is wise to opt for units with built-in shock mounts to avoid that.

Final Remarks

In this article, we focus on how to choose the right microphone for your action camera. We want you, after reading this material, to become knowledgeable and consciously be able to choose an individual product that is right for you.

Whichever option you select, the superb quality of your audio recordings is guaranteed to be enhanced exponentially! You can expect remarkable improvements in sound clarity, volume, and resonance – leading to a much smoother and more enjoyable experience for all.

We hope this article helped you make your choice and thank you for reading!

 

 

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